Koukou is the Japanese term for senior high school, representing the non-compulsory education phase after junior high.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a senior high school in Japan.
- Target age group is typically 15 to 18 years old.
- It is a non-compulsory stage of education.
概要
高校は「高等学校」の略称で、日本の学校教育法における後期中等教育機関です。中学校を卒業した生徒が、より専門的な知識や基礎学力を身につけるために通う場所です。2) 使用パターン: 「高校に行く」「高校を卒業する」「高校生」のように使われます。また、特定の高校を指す場合は「〇〇高校」と校名を付けます。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常会話や学校生活、進路相談などで頻繁に使われます。自分の出身校を話す際や、子供の学校の話をする際など、非常に身近な語彙です。4) 類似語との比較: 「中学校」は12歳から15歳が通う前期中等教育機関であり、「大学」は高校卒業後に行く高等教育機関です。高校はこれらの中間に位置し、義務教育ではないという点が中学校との大きな違いです。
Examples
私は地元の高校に通っています。
everydayI attend a local high school.
高等学校卒業程度認定試験を受けます。
formalI will take the Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
高校受験
High school entrance examination
高校生活
High school life
Often Confused With
Chuugakkou is junior high school (ages 12-15) and is compulsory education. Koukou is senior high school (ages 15-18) and is not compulsory.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Koukou is the standard term used in almost all daily situations. Use 'Koutougakkou' only in formal documents or official school names. It is a gender-neutral term used by everyone.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse 'koukou' with 'daigaku' (university). Remember that 'koukou' comes before university. Also, avoid using 'koukou' for any school younger than 15 years old.
Tips
Use abbreviated form for daily conversation
Always use 'koukou' instead of the formal 'koutougakkou' when talking to friends or family. It sounds much more natural in casual settings.
Do not confuse with Middle School
Remember that 'chuugakkou' is middle school (ages 12-15). Using 'koukou' to refer to middle school will cause confusion.
The importance of High School Entrance Exams
In Japan, high school entrance exams are a major life event for teenagers. The pressure to get into a 'good' high school is a common cultural theme.
Word Origin
The word is a contraction of 'Koutougakkou', where 'Koutou' means high-grade or senior, and 'Gakkou' means school. This is a common pattern for shortening long academic terms in Japanese.
Cultural Context
High school life is often depicted in anime and manga as a 'golden age' of youth. Club activities (bukatsu) are a major part of the high school experience in Japan.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kou' as 'High' and 'Kou' as 'School'. A high-level school is a high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsいいえ、高校は義務教育ではありません。中学校までは義務教育ですが、高校へ進学するかどうかは個人の選択に委ねられています。
意味は同じです。「高等学校」は正式名称で、書類や公的な場、校名などで使われます。「高校」は日常会話や一般的な文脈で使われる略称です。
一般的に15歳から18歳です。中学校を卒業した年の4月から、18歳になる年度の3月まで在籍します。
国語、数学、英語などの普通教科のほか、専門高校では工業や商業などの専門的な技術や知識を学びます。大学進学を目指すコースや就職を目指すコースなど、学校によって多様です。
Test Yourself
私は来年、___を卒業します。
15歳から18歳が通う学校は高校です。
Score: /1
Summary
Koukou is the Japanese term for senior high school, representing the non-compulsory education phase after junior high.
- Refers to a senior high school in Japan.
- Target age group is typically 15 to 18 years old.
- It is a non-compulsory stage of education.
Use abbreviated form for daily conversation
Always use 'koukou' instead of the formal 'koutougakkou' when talking to friends or family. It sounds much more natural in casual settings.
Do not confuse with Middle School
Remember that 'chuugakkou' is middle school (ages 12-15). Using 'koukou' to refer to middle school will cause confusion.
The importance of High School Entrance Exams
In Japan, high school entrance exams are a major life event for teenagers. The pressure to get into a 'good' high school is a common cultural theme.
Examples
2 of 2私は地元の高校に通っています。
I attend a local high school.
高等学校卒業程度認定試験を受けます。
I will take the Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates.
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